edema

noun

ede·​ma i-ˈdē-mə 

1

: an abnormal infiltration and excess accumulation of serous fluid in connective tissue or in a serous cavity

called also dropsy

2

a

: watery swelling of plant organs or parts

b

: any of various plant diseases characterized by such swellings

Examples of edema in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Just 4 years old when her dad died from a cerebral edema, Shannon is now an actress, producer and board chairwoman for the Bruce Lee Foundation. —Henry Chandonnet, Peoplemag, 20 July 2023

Meanwhile, high-altitude pulmonary edema happens when the blood vessels in the lungs begin to leak fluid and fill up the lungs. —Allie Conti, Field & Stream, 27 Sep. 2023

This condition results from a dangerously low concentration of sodium in the blood, which in extreme cases can cause potentially deadly pulmonary or cerebral edemas. —Alisha McDarris, Popular Science, 2 Aug. 2023

The loaner caused the pressure sore to worsen and led to several other issues, including muscle spasms, edema and an inability to eat. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Oct. 2023

Follow the product label for the amount to use. Pests and Problems Some geraniums, particularly the ivy variety, suffer from a condition called edema on the underside of the leaves. —Lynn McAlpine, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Oct. 2023

Diabetic macular edema and diabetic retinopathy are largely driven by poor diabetic control and the length of time a person has diabetes. —Alyssa Hui, Verywell Health, 18 Sep. 2023

During the long and arduous 54-hour labor, Valerie contracted an infection and experienced severe swelling (a condition called edema). —Courtney Biggs, Glamour, 11 Sep. 2023

In many people, lymphedema happens after a medical or surgical problem, such as arm edema after diagnosis/treatment of breast cancer. —Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 20 July 2023

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Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek oidēma swelling, from oidein to swell; akin to Armenian aytnu- swell, Old English ātor poison

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

edema

noun

ede·​ma i-ˈdē-mə 

: an abnormal collection of watery fluid in a bodily tissue or cavity

Medical Definition

edema

noun

ede·​ma

variants or chiefly British oedema

i-ˈdē-mə 

plural edemas or chiefly British oedemas also edemata

-mət-ə

or chiefly British oedemata

: an abnormal excess accumulation of serous fluid in connective tissue or in a serous cavity

called also dropsy